Inclusive autism sensory perception and accessibility tools

Researchers at Boston University have developed a video game, named Geode, to study how individuals with autism perceive and interpret sensory information. This tool aims to provide a more inclusive research method than traditional assessments, which often rely on verbal instructions or subjective reports from caregivers. By allowing players to learn rules through gameplay, the technology can include nonverbal individuals or those with more severe symptoms.

In a study involving over 300 teenagers, the game helped identify differences in how the brain processes sensory signals, specifically regarding “noisy evidence integration.” Benjamin Scott, an assistant professor at Boston University, noted that this methodology aims to provide more direct data than subjective assessments from family members, potentially aiding in the development of new therapies and drugs.

This approach aligns with a broader shift in autism research toward inclusive partnerships and the neurodiversity principle of ‘nothing about us without us’. Related neurological research has also explored the ‘double empathy problem,’ suggesting that communication difficulties are reciprocal. Studies indicate that while autistic and non-autistic individuals may struggle to read each other, autistic individuals may show increased accuracy when reading the emotional valence of other autistic people.

Complementing these research efforts, new initiatives are emerging to improve real-world accessibility. In Australia, Aspect Autism Friendly has partnered with the attraction Sovereign Hill to launch a ‘Video Visual Story’. Featuring actor Michael Theo, the tool provides a first-person guided walkthrough of the visitor experience to reduce anxiety and uncertainty by allowing autistic visitors to see and hear what to expect before arrival.